Barefoot women in Liverpool offered flip flops

Ms O'Byrne said flip flops were "a better look than bandaged feet"

Flip flops will be handed out to women in Liverpool to prevent them injuring themselves on a night out.

Liverpool City Council has bought 500 pairs of the footwear to give to women as "some try and walk barefooted and end up in hospital".

Councillor Ann O'Byrne said it was an attempt "to reduce the burden on accident and emergency units".

The flip flops will be given out by Street Pastors, a group which help people in the city centre at night.

The group has been buying slippers to hand out from pound shops, since its workers found that some of those walking round barefoot had stood on broken glass and cut their feet.

After hearing about the need, the council decided to step in and foot the bill of £1,000 for 500 pairs.

A council spokesman said that the offer was not related to alcohol, and the flip flops would be given to anyone in the city centre walking round barefoot at night.

Ms O'Byrne, the cabinet member for community safety, said that the city had "a thriving night-life with more than 100,000 people visiting Concert Square and Mathew Street at the weekend and it is estimated that 30,000 walk between them".

"Because of aching feet or broken heels, some women try and walk barefooted and end up in hospital," she said.

"We want to reduce the burden on accident and emergency units and we are delighted that the street pastors are giving them out.

"Flip flops may not be fashionable but they are certainly a better look than bandaged feet."